SSSTS vs SMSTS - What's the difference?

For anyone who is getting into the professional role of site supervisory and/or management, it's vital that you know what you need. Above having the natural aptitude for the challenges of management, another big part of management is the qualifications that you hold. For example, do you hold either a CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) SSSTS or SMSTS course accreditation? If you don't, then you should consider going for one. Both are important qualifications, but they achieve different aims. Let's look at the variances between SSSTS and SMSTS to evaluate it closer.

CITB - Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme

SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. It's a vital part of safety training today for many professionals. Without this experience, you may find it hard to land the role you want. When it comes to taking any training, you gain essential skills. In particular, an SSSTS course would vastly improve your health and safety knowledge. As a supervisor, you have to be fully aware of your professional needs and aims. Team leaders and Foremen are required to have an SSSTS certificate in many roles. During this training program, you will learn skills included but not limited to:

What legal responsibilities are going to exist in your role as a supervisor
The best practices, and the worst practices, that you should be looking out for as a supervisor
Risk assessment and site inductions that will take place to help manage the site
Health and Safety training, including understanding staff welfare and environmental impact

These vital skills will play a role in your supervisory position. It's a 5-year certificate, with a refresher course needed every five years for these vital skills.

SSSTS Courses Available:

CITB - Site Management Safety Training Scheme

Site Manager Safety Training Scheme otherwise known as an SMSTS course is perfect for anyone involved in the control or planning of a construction site. Managers are required to have this training scheme completed for the most part. It's a vital part of your management education, as it gives you critical details about the laws as well as regulatory needs for your role.

You will take on various tasks during this training, giving you the skills that you need to go into management. Once completed, you'll be able to showcase your expertise in the following:

A full understanding of Health and Safety laws in the modern world
Great knowledge of welfare and environmental legislation
Implement new guidance and industry best practice
Ensures you can easily state duties with regards to welfare, environment, and Health & Safety

SMSTS Courses Available:

The main difference is the SSSTS is aimed at supervisors while the SMSTS is directed at management staff. It just depends on the role that you intend to take on in the future. If you have completed an SSSTS course, though, going for your SMSTS is advised. However, it's not mandatory to sit your SSSTS before the SMSTS.

If you would like to know more about the CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) or Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), do not hesitate to contact us at Easybook Training. Call us today on 0800 093 1189.